Senate committee sends bill to floor asking Idaho to seek SNAP waiver to bar soda, candy

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send House Bill 109 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation after a day of testimony that split public-health advocates, grocery and beverage industry representatives and retailers.

House Bill 109 would direct the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to request a federal demonstration waiver allowing the state to exclude candy and sugar‑sweetened beverages from purchases made with SNAP benefits. "The actual purpose of the SNAP program ... is to provide a nutritious diet to low income households," sponsor Senator Ben Toews said in his opening remarks, urging members to consider public-health and stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Supporters told the committee the measure is a limited, state-level way to reduce sugar consumption among SNAP recipients and to prompt federal action. Brian Sickman of the Make America…